Experience Forgotten Gem Zelda’s Adventure Demake on Game Boy

Last Updated on May 5, 2023

An ambitious programmer and graphic designer has demade CD-i game, Zelda’s Adventure, and made it playable on Game Boy. It’s a whole new way to experience a Zelda game that didn’t hit the limelight.

Creator John Lay recreated the Philips Interactive Media title and it still plays in its top-down perspective, not too far off from the original Link’s Awakening style. Zelda’s Adventure initially released for CD-i in 1996, and like the other two CD-i titles Wand of Gamelon and Faces of Evil, they were not favoured by Zelda fans namely due to the voice acting, gameplay and animated cutscenes.

Despite Zelda’s Adventure not being considered canon to the mainline series by Nintendo, this demake for the Game Boy almost makes you wish it was! In this game, you play as Zelda herself who is saving Link from the evil clutches of Ganon (yes, the roles have been switched here for this game!). This reimagined version by Lay could easily blend in as a mainline Zelda title. You can watch the trailer below:

In a conversation with Kotaku, Lay explained that work on this demake began in Covid lockdowns with its release happening just last month. The game is available to play via a Game Boy emulator through a ROM download on Lay’s Itch page. However, if this process is not your cup of tea, Lay has uploaded a full playthrough on YouTube as shown below.

Lay commented on the game’s amazing response stating he was, “overwhelmed by the positive feedback”. He continued with saying, “thanks to everyone who supported the project” and “I hope you enjoy the game!”

Bhav Soor

I am a media and pop culture enthusiast and love Nintendo and indie games, particularly Zelda and Stardew Valley. When I’m not gaming you’ll find me writing, creating fanart, and playing music covers of my favourite games!